The Brazilian Unquestioned Superstar? Neymar Jr's Global Tournament Race Against Time
As the French winger claimed the prestigious football award in late September, the Brazilian sensation was lying in bed for his third injury of the year - simultaneously participating in an online poker tournament.
The 33-year-old Brazilian ace eventually placed as second place, securing around £73,800 in tournament winnings.
It was limited solace on a day when he had to witness the player who once replaced him at Barcelona claim the award he had consistently dreamed to win.
Since coming back to his boyhood club Santos in the new year, the experienced attacker has fallen short of expectations, attracting more attention for comparable situations than for his on-field performances.
His return home after 12 seasons away was meant to be a chance for him to return to peak condition and, crucially, revive a passion for the game that seemed gone after disappointing periods with PSG and the Saudi club.
Instead, it has been largely underwhelming for everyone concerned.
This reflects the situation that the main question being asked right now in Brazil is whether Neymar will participate in the 2026 World Cup.
He's facing a deadline.
"All players have to demonstrate that they are fit. The deadline approaches [for him]," Brazilian legend Tostao wrote in his newspaper column.
On midweek, Brazil head coach the Italian tactician disclosed his squad for the upcoming games against South Korea and Japan and, once again, Neymar was excluded.
"O Principe", as he was nicknamed when received at Santos in a reference to the legend Pelé, is yet to play under Ancelotti, having been missing from the Selecao for 24 months.
He continues to be an fitness concern for the autumn fixtures, which, in the worst scenario, will leave him with only two exhibition games in spring 2026 to demonstrate his worth to Ancelotti before the revealing of the final list for the World Cup.
"For 15 years, Neymar was Brazil's unquestioned talisman, shouldering massive pressure on his own," Brazilian icon Cafu said.
"But no one wins the World Cup single-handedly. Putting all our expectations on him at the moment is challenging because he finds it hard to even play multiple matches in a row."
'Technical exclusion raises serious questions about Neymar'
Not just has Neymar had various physical concerns since his homecoming - he's been absent for 47% of Santos' matches this campaign - but, when he was available for selection, he was a far cry from the player who during his zenith competed with the Argentine maestro and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Of his nine goal contributions so far, five have come against teams from divisions below Brazil's top flight - a goal and assist against Agua Santa, followed by a three goal involvements versus Inter de Limeira, all in the Sao Paulo State Championship.
As Santos battle against demotion in the top division, the number 10 no longer seems to be the difference maker he once was.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti has asserted that the forward has ample opportunity to show he is ready for the World Cup.
"His objective must be to be prepared in summer. It isn't crucial if he's in the squad in autumn, late autumn or spring," the coach told L'Equipe newspaper.
Ancelotti caused local debate last month by allegedly attempting to protect Neymar, stating the star had been excluded from the team over physical condition issues.
But then Neymar himself contradicted this, saying he "was left out for tactical decisions; it has nothing to do with my physical condition."
In terms of fan opinion, it definitely didn't help for Neymar.
"If the player we have pinned our dreams on to win the World Cup is excluded for technical reasons, evidently there's a problem," Cafu said.
Will Neymar be capable of emulating Ronaldo in 2002?
Research from a leading polling institute found that Brazilians are divided over whether Neymar should be selected for his fourth World Cup.
With his record tally, Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer, but he hasn't improved his situation much with his in-game attitude either.
He seems more on edge than usual, having confronted fans on several occasions in stadiums - it occurred in successive games in mid-year.
The next month, the striker was left in tears after Santos suffered a six-goal home defeat by Vasco da Gama - the biggest loss of his professional life.
When asked by a reporter about his fitness condition in a game aftermath discussion, he also lost his patience: "This topic again, friend? I've answered this repeatedly already."
The same kind of question has been directed at his father and agent Neymar Sr as well.
"Neymar's plan was to spend five months at Santos. For what? To regain fitness. If Neymar was able to feature, amen," he earlier stated, causing displeasure among fans.
There's continuing belief, however, that Neymar's peak years aren't over and that he will be able to resurrect his form the same way striker Ronaldo "Phenomenon" did in 2002 to overcome skepticism and physical setbacks to guide Brazil to the World Cup title.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan legend notes parallels.
"He's a vital player for Brazil - there's no one else like Neymar," Ronaldo said during a recent appearance with the forward in Sao Paulo.
"It's an exaggeration from a small group who believe he's disregarding his fitness rehabilitation.
Those who have been in football knows perfectly how difficult it is to return from an setback and recover rhythm and confidence. He's right on track."
The Santos star has a critical period ahead to demonstrate that he's not the heir who stepped away from greatness.
